About the course

Get the experience of a lifetime studying in the diverse and lively capital city of New Zealand at Victoria University of Wellington.

Study Abroad and Exchange

If you're currently studying at an overseas university and are interested in doing part of your study at Victoria University of Wellington, please enable International information using the switcher at the top right of your screen.

If you are currently studying at Victoria University of Wellington and are interested in doing part of your study at an overseas university, visit Wellington Global Exchange.

The Study Abroad and Exchange programme allows you to spend a trimester or a year studying at Victoria University of Wellington, while earning credits towards your home university qualification.

In Wellington you’ll be in the political, scientific, and cultural heart of New Zealand, surrounded by arts, culture, mountains, ocean, and lots of great food. You’ll be living in a compact, vibrant, safe, and fun city that Lonely Planet called the coolest little capital in the world. Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington has relationships with over 140 partner universities in 35 countries. The Exchange programme is only open to students of these partner universities, while the Study Abroad programme is available to all students—whether they're studying at one of these universities or not.

If you are not sure if you would be a Study Abroad student or an Exchange student, refer to our Apply and Contact page.

Learn from the best

Victoria University of Wellington is internationally ranked and its outstanding research has received national and international recognition. The University offers courses in over 120 subjects. Make the most of your study experience by choosing subjects and courses that are unique to New Zealand and the University.

Enhance your study abroad by getting involved with community service and leadership through our Kitea Impact Programme, or join one of over 100 different clubs. Our leadership programmes offer tailored award programmes especially designed for Study Abroad and Exchange students.

Get an International Buddy

Meet local university students by signing up for the International Buddy programme. Offering a range of relaxed social events and activities, the International Buddy programme will let you immerse yourself in kiwi culture and Wellington life. If you want to get involved, meet new people, and try new experiences, this programme is for you.

Accommodation

Accommodation is guaranteed for international students if you apply by the accommodation application deadline.

There are 14 university accommodation options for you to choose from, including both catered and self-catered. All University accommodation is within easy walking distance of each campus and the central city.

Scholarships for Study Abroad

These scholarships are available to students in the Study Abroad programme:

Wellington is a compact and diverse capital city. It hosts more than 40 embassies and consulates, contributing to a vibrant cultural scene. There's always something going on and it's easy to get around so you'll have the opportunity to experience something new every day.

What you can study

Victoria University of Wellington offers courses in over 120 subjects. Make the most of your study experience by choosing subjects and courses that are unique to New Zealand and the University:

Choosing your courses

Use the Course Finder to explore the courses available at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. You can search for specific courses, or browse all the courses available in a subject area. Once you've entered your search, you can use the filters on the right-hand side to narrow down your results. Each course has a code that reflects the level of study:

000 Pre-degree courses
100 First-year undergraduate courses
200 Advanced undergraduate courses
300 Advanced undergraduate courses
400 Honours courses and some Master's courses
500 Master's courses
600 PhD courses
800 A few diploma and certificate courses

Courses taken at 200 or 300 levels (second or third year) are often considered suitable for upper-level undergraduate credit transfer.

First Year Abroad

If you're not currently going to university and don't want to commit to a long-term degree, you can still choose to study abroad at Victoria University of Wellington. You can select 3-4 first year (100-level) courses and gain a basic introduction to variety of subjects. Course and requirements

Enhance your study experience with our service and leadership programme

Enhance your Study Abroad experience by joining the Kitea Impact Programme. It’s free, flexible, fun, and designed to be completed at your own pace alongside your academic study. The Kitea Impact Programme is a great fit if you're passionate about leadership, sustainability, global issues, helping your community, and building skills that will look great on your CV.

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Entry requirements

Domestic entry requirements

At least one year of a Bachelor's degree or equivalent, with above average grades. You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.

About the provider

Victoria University of Wellington, full name Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, was founded in 1897 and is one of New Zealand’s largest and most prestigious universities. The University is located in the heart of New Zealand’s vibrant capital city and its three city campuses are all within easy walking distance of one another, as well as local attractions, shopping districts, and cafés.

The University’s central location gives students access to a variety of national organisations in the areas of business, government, politics, culture and heritage, the arts and filmmaking industry, as well as the science and technology communities. Wellington is a compact city where students can easily explore nature trails, beaches, galleries, museums, and events. It is multicultural, safe, friendly, and has a reputation for great food and coffee—it regularly ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities.

Victoria University of Wellington at a glance

Top 1% of the world's universities for research quality and teaching
170+ subjects
20 undergraduate programmes and 180 postgraduate programmes
40+ research institutes and 4 libraries
3,000 of our 17,000 students are international students, from 120+ countries
130+ clubs and societies
5+ stars from the latest QS Stars Rating of Excellence
#1 in New Zealand for research intensity (in the latest assessment of the Performance-Based Research Fund)
Wellington School of Business and Government is one of an elite group of commerce faculties worldwide that hold the Triple Crown of international accreditations of EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA
Top 2% of the world’s universities (QS World University Rankings 2026)
Top 100 in the world in 7 subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)

Graduate outcomes*

Of the graduates who responded that they are currently working full time, 91% were employed prior to or within 6 months of degree completion.
67% were in full-time employment.

*Based on those who completed the 2023–2024 Graduate Destinations Survey.

Entry requirements

To study at Victoria University of Wellington, international students need:

a good command of the English language
a good record of academic achievement.

Entry requirements are provided under each programme. The University considers each student’s academic and English-language background when assessing applications. If a student doesn’t meet entry requirements, our team can help them meet their study goals.

If a student doesn’t meet the entry requirements for:

English language - Students can apply for our English for Academic Purposes programme
Undergraduate study - Students can apply for our Foundation Studies programme
Postgraduate study - Students can talk to us to help build a pathway to their degree

Student support

The University offers complete support for students through a range of wellbeing and learning services. These include a specialised international team that is dedicated to supporting students during their studies, which helps international students meet new friends and settle into university and Wellington life.

Some of the support services include:

dedicated international student orientation and events
a free arrival meeting service at the airport
the International Buddy Programme, where you get paired with a ‘buddy’ from the get-go

Students can make the most of the many opportunities to get involved in different communities, embrace new experiences, and develop skills for their future careers. The university encourages all students to develop strong global citizenship skills through their studies and extracurricular programmes such as the Kitea Impact Programme, which is also free to join.